Net worth guides
Straight answers to the questions people ask about net worth — what counts, how to calculate it, and how yours compares.
- How to calculate your net worth — Net worth = everything you own minus everything you owe. A step-by-step method, what to include, a worked example, and how often to recalculate.
- Does net worth include your home? — Yes. Your home counts at its current market value, and your mortgage counts as a debt, so what adds to net worth is your home equity. How to value it, and when to leave it out.
- Does net worth include retirement accounts? — Yes. 401(k), 403(b), IRA, Roth IRA and HSA balances all count toward net worth. The caveat is taxes on pre-tax accounts — and pensions and Social Security aren't counted.
- Does net worth include your car? — Yes. A car counts at its current resale value, and any car loan counts as a debt. Because cars depreciate, a new car financed with a loan often lowers net worth.
- Net worth by age: median, average and top 10%
- Net worth percentile calculator
- Retirement questions, answered with real numbers